What to Do If You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog in New Jersey

Sometimes even the friendliest dogs can turn aggressive and cause harm. Animal attacks can be a traumatic and painful experience, and they can also lead to serious injuries and health complications. It’s critical to act right away to safeguard your health, safety, and legal rights if a dog has bitten you or someone you know. In this article, we’ll discuss what you should do if you’ve been bitten by a dog in New Jersey and how an experienced dog bite attorney can help.

1. Seek Medical Attention

If you are the victim of a dog bite, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even if the injury doesn’t appear to be serious, it is important to get checked out by a healthcare professional. Dog bites can lead to infections and other complications, so it’s essential to have them evaluated to ensure that you receive proper treatment as soon as possible.

2. Report the Incident

In New Jersey, dog bites must be reported to the local health department, animal control agency, or police department. This is important for tracking the incidence of dog bites in the community, identifying dogs that may be at risk for transmitting rabies, and ensuring that the dog is properly quarantined. 

The health department may also investigate the incident to ensure that the dog is properly vaccinated and that the owner is following all necessary precautions to prevent future incidents. In New Jersey, the owner of a dog that has bitten someone is liable for any damages caused by the dog, regardless of whether the owner knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous.

3. Gather Information

If possible, you should gather as much information as you can about the dog and its owner. This includes the name and contact information of the owner, as well as the dog’s breed, color, and any identifying marks or tags. This information can be useful if you decide to file a claim for damages or if you need to identify the dog for medical or legal purposes.

4. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. They will understand the laws governing dog bites and can help you navigate the legal process to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

5. Document Your Injuries and Damages

It is important to document your injuries and damages as soon as possible after a dog bite. This includes taking photographs of your injuries, collecting contact information for witnesses, and writing down details about the dog and its owner. keeping track of any medical bills or other expenses related to the incident and documenting any lost wages or other financial losses you have suffered as a result of the bite. This information can be used as evidence if you decide to file a claim for damages.

Contact Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza PC Today For a Free Consultation About Your Dog Bite Injury

If you or a loved one are the victim of a dog bite in New Jersey, it is important to seek medical attention, report the incident, gather information, contact an experienced personal injury attorney, and document your injuries and damages. At Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza PC, we are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your legal options.